Thousands set to line up for landmark Leeds 10K

Up to 10,000 people are getting ready to step out for the 10th Asda Foundation Leeds 10K this summer.

The event is part of the lasting legacy of the late inspirational Jane Tomlinson CBE, who founded the charity road race in 2007 shortly before her untimely death.

Since then, tens of thousands of runners have raised millions for good causes across Leeds, Yorkshire and beyond.

Jane’s husband Mike Tomlinson said: “I feel very lucky to be helping to launch the tenth Leeds 10K. Jane would have been thrilled that after so long, the event continues to grow.

“On the 10th July 2006, Jane was cycling across the Nevada desert to raise money to launch the first Leeds 10K. Ten years later, it seems that that effort has been worthwhile.”

Entries for the 10th Leeds 10K on Sunday 10th July are now open at /10k/leeds/

The 2016 event was officially launch today by supporters – including some well-known faces – who have been involved in the event over the years. They included Emmerdale actress Michelle Hardwick, Leeds United legend Eddie Gray and Rugby League’s Barrie McDermott.

Michelle said: “I did my first 10K at Leeds 10K last year and absolutely loved it. It was fantastic to see so many people turn out to support their charities and I hope the 10th anniversary year is even bigger and better!”

Barrie said: “I’m not really built for running, but I always support Jane Tomlinson events. There’s nothing like the crowds and the atmosphere at the Leeds 10K. I’m looking forward to staggering up and down Kirkstall Road again this year – hope to see you there.”

The 2016 event takes place on Sunday 10th July, starting in Vicar Lane and finishing outside the majestic Leeds Town Hall. The 10K also includes the Clarion Leeds 10K Corporate Challenge which will see hundreds of businessmen and women battle it out for bragging rights.

Julie Ward, of Asda Foundation, which support the entire Run For All 10K series, said: “Congratulations to the Leeds 10K and the Run For All team on its 10th anniversary; what an achievement.

“The Leeds 10K has rightly earned a reputation as a must-do event and is one we are delighted to support. We look forward to seeing thousands of people, including many of our Asda Colleagues, on the start line in 2016.”

Roger Hutton, Joint Managing Partner at Clarion, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating 10 years of the Leeds 10K this July, running alongside Yorkshire’s business community in the Corporate Challenge. We are proud to be sponsors and support an organisation that has raised so much for very deserving causes.”

It is estimated, since its launch, the Leeds 10K has raised over £4m for charities locally, regionally and nationally.

People taking part in the event are encouraged to support one of the official partner charities or select to fundraise for a cause of their own choice. In 2016, the official partner charities are Jane Tomlinson Appeal, The Haven, Macmillan Cancer Support, Martin House Children’s Hospice, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, St George’s Crypt, Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal, Brain Tumour Research and Support (BTRS), Mencap Leeds and Sue Ryder.

Kim Seddon, Fundraising Officer for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, said: “Launched by Jane in 2007, the Leeds 10K has become a favourite event in the sporting calendar in Leeds and beyond. We’re thrilled that so many people still want to continue Jane’s legacy 10 years on – a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Appeal over the past decade.”

Tom Robertshaw, Fundraising Manager for The Haven, said: “The Haven is thrilled to be a charity partner with the Asda Foundation Leeds 10K. This iconic event for the region enables Haven supporters of all ages to raise vital funds for our service. Our amazing fundraisers have raised over £70,000 for The Haven through the Leeds 10k which proves was an amazing event it is.”

Sharon Evans, Fundraising Development Manager, Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal said “It’s fantastic to be a partner charity for this amazing event, with the sponsorship raised from last year’s Leeds 10K we have been able to enhance the Leeds Children’s Hospital to make it a more soothing and calming environment for our young patients. We would love to have you as part of our team so why not dust off your trainers and join us, every penny really does help to make a child’s stay in hospital better, brighter and happier.”

Cheryl Harrington, Lead Fundraiser for St George’s Crypt said: “St George’s Crypt are really happy to be a partner charity once again this year. We have some amazing people putting themselves through this challenge and a few that will do it in a breeze. Everyone is equally special and we hope you can all get behind Team Crypt and help them raise lots of money to support homeless and vulnerable adults in our city.”

Rachel Finlay, Charity Manager for BTRS, said: “BTRS are delighted to be a charity partner for the Leeds 10k this summer. The Run Far All 10k series really is a great opportunity for runners of all abilities to get involved and support tumour patients here in Yorkshire.”

Rob Bason, Macmillan Cancer Support Challenge Events Programme Manager, said: “We can’t quite believe it’s been 10 years already but Macmillan Cancer Support is delighted to have been involved with the Leeds 10K for such a long time. Our fantastic Team Macmillan runners have raised nearly £700,000 in total over the years from the Leeds 10K and have made an amazing difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. 2016 will be no exception and we fully expect our amazing supporters to raise more than ever before for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Sarah Hooker, Head of Fundraising at Leeds Mencap, said: “Leeds Mencap are absolutely delighted to be one of the official charity partners for the Leeds 10k event again this year. As a local, independent charity we need to raise all our own funds for people with learning disabilities across Leeds and we need runners to take on this fantastic challenge and help us continue our vital work. We will shortly be moving into the brand new Vinery centre just off the York Road which will enable us to expand all our services. To sign up to the challenge, go to www.leedsmencap.org.uk and go onto get involved or email sarah.hooker@leedsmencap.org.uk.”

Caroline Hudson, Events Manager for Martin House, the local children’s hospice for the Leeds area, said: “We have been a charity partner of the Leeds 10K since the first event in 2006 and we are delighted to be involved again in the tenth anniversary this year. The money raised from this event goes a long way to support over 340 children, young people and their families in our region through difficult times. Good luck to all Team Martin House runners.”

Henry Fleming from Sue Ryder Care said: “Sue Ryder is thrilled to again be an official charity partner for the 2016 Leeds 10K. The partnership has helped us provide nearly 1,500 hours of incredible care over the past two years, and we can’t wait to see what this year will help us do!

“Any funds raised for Sue Ryder this year will help us provide more incredible care for people facing a frightening, life changing diagnosis. We will be able to be a safety net for our patients and their loved ones at the most difficult time of their lives.”

Lucy Burnett, Fundraising Events Manager at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice said: “We are thrilled to be a charity partner of Leeds 10k again this year. The support we have received from the Leeds 10k over recent years has been fantastic, helping us to raise thousands of pounds and raise our profile both on a local and regional scale. Sign up to one of our places and you can run in aid of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, supporting local children with life shortening conditions and their families in West Yorkshire.”